There is no suggestion the charge relates to any of the games Demichelis has played in this season and an FA spokesman indicated the player is accused only of inappropriate betting activity, not match-fixing.

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Since 2014, rules have been in force to prevent any professional player or coach betting on any worldwide football activity and Demichelis appears to have fallen foul of this umbrella ban, possibly placing bets on overseas games.

City do not intend to comment on the matter until Demichelis has responded to the charge and any disciplinary procedures have been put in motion but the expectation is he may be fined if found guilty, rather than a more draconian suspension.

The FA has the power to fine or suspend Demichelis, though the latter course would be unusual if the transgression is breaking betting rules rather than attempting to influence the outcome of matches.

“The bottom line nowadays is that no footballer can bet on football matches anywhere,” the FA spokesman said.

Demichelis must respond to the charge by 5pm next Tuesday, though a decision on his case, and any possible sanction, will not be announced until later.